Traveling with pets this holiday season? Read this first

For many of us, the holidays mean spending time with family and close friends, even if it requires traveling. And for many travelers, pets are both family AND friends, so the thought of celebrating without these companions is unthinkable. Animal experts, however, offer strong warnings about traveling with pets, particularly by air. And since much of the country will experience freezing weather conditions during this period, the holiday season can be especially challenging. Flying with animals has become more complex than ever, and in an upcoming column, I’ll address the specifics of several recent changes, particularly for service animals and emotional support animals. Below are some very broad guidelines for various sectors of travel that can help you better decide if this year it’s best for your furriest friends to remain behind with a trusted friend or relative, or at a reliable boarding service.